Technology in court

Video conferencing

Many NSW courtrooms have video conferencing facilities, which are linked into a network that operates across justice agencies in NSW. These are often referred to as Audio Visual Links (AVL).

The video conferencing network is primarily used for bail hearings and interviews between legal practitioners and their clients, while they are in custody.

The network consists of  video conferencing sites in courtrooms, correctional centres, youth detention centres, Legal Aid offices, police stations, the Public Defenders' Office and offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Multicultural NSW.

Using video conferencing in civil proceedings

External video conferencing can be arranged to connect to the court's AVL system to facilitate interstate or overseas witnesses to give evidence remotely.

Parties seeking to use external video conferencing are generally responsible for the payment of any associated fees and charges. Request to use external video conferencing must be approved by a judicial officer. Apply directly to the court hearing the case.

Audio facilities

Where video conferencing is not available, you can make a request to appear via telephone.  Attendance by audio facility must be approved by a judicial officer.

Remote witness facilities

Many courts have remote witness facilities.  These allow witnesses to provide evidence to the court via video links from a safe, secure location, which is separate from the courtroom.

A judicial officer must approve evidence via a remote witness room. Apply directly to the court hearing the case.

Electronic evidence playback

Most courtrooms are equipped with electronic evidence playback facilities. The equipment includes DVDs, CDs, cassette, VHS, PC input and document imaging.  Most courtrooms have VHS replay capability. There are standard formats for the presentation of electronic evidence in court. For further information, please read the Evidence Laptop Information Sheet. (PDF , 67.5 KB)